WarnerMedia APAC taps new exec, adapts Tuzki

Abhishek Dutta has been named senior director and network head of Cartoon Network and POGO.

Abhishek Dutta has beenappointed senior director and network head for kids, overseeing Cartoon Network and POGO in South Asia. Based in Mumbai, he will be responsible for programming, channel operations, acquisitions, promotions and content direction for the two brands.

In his new role, Dutta will work under the direction of Leslie Lee, VP of kids content for WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks APAC. Most recently, he served as senior director of programming for the kids cluster at Viacom18. Dutta previously held roles at ALT Balaji and Discovery Channel.

Dutta’s appointment follows shortly after a number of personnel shakeups after the AT&T-Time Warner merger. In September, Ricky Ow was named president of WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks, distribution and advertising sales in Asia Pacific. Additionally, Clement Schwebig was upped to managing director of Southeast Asia Pacific and China for WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks.

In other WarnerMedia news, the company’s fan-favorite rabbit character Tuzki will star in a new comedy-drama series produced by China’s Ciwen Media. WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks is partnering with Ciwen Media on the series, which is expected to go into production early next year and feature 24 episodes.

The unnamed show will mix live action and CGI styles, and mark Tuzki’s long-form content debut. The character has been the most popular emoji on social messaging app WeChat for several years, and has also appeared in animated shorts and at events as well as through partnerships with restaurants and theme parks like Six Flags.